02-28-2023Even the best commercial signs fall flat without proper site selection, but with the team at Houston Graphic Signs supporting your order, perfect placement is easy to achieve.
Read on to review 5 quick tips for perfect commercial sign placement in Houston, TX, or call (713)-244-8704 to speak directly with a commercial sign specialist near you.
Crowded signscapes are unsightly and ineffective, overwhelming your audience with a wall of text and multiple graphic elements that create a heavy “cognitive burden.” When faced with this kind of cognitive burden, most readers prefer to tune signs out altogether, rather than stopping to decipher every commercial sign cluster they come across.
Sign codes and property lines try to minimize visual clutter, mandating minimum distances between signs, but some business owners still end up overwhelming their audiences with busy commercial sign set-ups. Remember: just as individual signs work best with plenty of “white/negative space,” AKA breathing room, so too does your sign system!
Your commercial sign location might look perfect right now, but make sure to approach your site selection with an all-seasons perspective, and be conscious of peak traffic hours, too.
For example, what looks like the perfect display spot may end up blocked or partially obstructed by foliage from trees in spring, or it could end up mostly blocked by dense crowds of pedestrians during peak hours.
To maximize visibility, commercial signs should generally be placed as close to the street as regulations allow. But be careful about blocking drivers’ sightlines with commercial signs, as this is prohibited by local sign codes.
For example, Section 90-1 of the Conroe Code of Ordinances mandates that roadside commercial signs must be at least 2 feet behind the property line and “out of the visibility triangle at all street and driveway intersections.”
So what is a “visibility triangle,” exactly? It is defined as “a sight triangle at a street interaction formed by the legs of the intersecting curb or edge of pavement lines and a diagonal line between the two legs at points that are 35 feet from the interaction.” It looks like this:
Get your commercial sign as close to the road as possible, but be sure to keep this area clear of obstructions, or you could endanger local drivers and expose your business to fines.
In one study measuring the impact of different sign orientation, researchers found that signs placed perpendicular to roadways consistently outperformed those set up at a parallel angle, even when the latter was 2-3 times as big!
Research in cognitive psychology and environmental psychology gives us some excellent visual guidelines for the design and placement of commercial signs. By comparing gaze behaviors and response times to signs in two different positions, researchers Buechner et al. (2012) found that front-and-center placements worked best.
Here we see the two sign placements being tested. On the left, the “status quo” sign is placed to the upper right of the audience’s field of view. On the right, the right has been repositioned to the front-and-center of their field of view while traveling down this corridor.
These are the results of their eye-tracking experiments, with red indicating long fixation times, yellow indicating moderate fixation times, and green indicating quick glances/short fixation times.
As you can see, in both cases, audiences’ attention was predominantly directed forward, with their gaze fixed to the front-and-center of their field of view. As a result, with the “status quo” sign in the left panel, we see very short fixation times, just a hint of green, whereas the second image on the right shows persistent, red-hot fixation on the front-and-center display.
Clearly, if you want your sign to be read, front-and-center placement is unparalleled. And with our wide selection of hanging, freestanding, and window-mounted signs, that’s easy to achieve.
Houston Graphic Signs is your one-stop shop for commercial sign solutions in Houston, TX, offering a wide selection of commercial sign products under one roof, plus full support with every step of your order, including:
To browse our selection of commercial signs and get a free quote on any custom order, you can:
References
Buechner, S. J., Wiener, J., & Hölscher, C. (2012). Methodological triangulation to assess sign placement. In Proceedings of the Symposium on Eye Tracking Research and Applications (pp. 185-188).
Hong, J., & Isaac, M. (2021). Location, Location, Location: The effect of location on evaluation and aesthetic judgment of off-premise signage. Interdisciplinary Journal of Signage and Wayfinding, 5(1), 26-40.
BACKMy overall experience with these guys is great! Keith is the person that helped me, and Brent is the one did the install. It was a little difficult due to my building structure, but they got it done. I will def use HGS again for my future projects ;)
Amanda Rachidi Feb 2, 2023
Professional Team with a very cooperative Owner. Very happy with their work and would suggest them to anyone.
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Houston Graphic Signs have now done 2 of my staffing offices and they made the process so quick and easy. The products turned out beautifully and their customer service was outstanding. If we open additional offices or need other signs, we will definitely be a repeat customer!!
Jordan Ramirez Jan 1, 2023
Very friendly and always easy to communicate with!
Jackie Follett Sep 9, 2022
I was tasked with locating a sign company to refurbish our company's sign. It was an interesting process, but when I finally found Houston Graphic Signs, it was smooth sailing from there. Michelle was incredibly responsive and helpful. She was with me every step of the way and had the way and was easy to communicate with. They took our requests and provided a great visual representation as well as another nice design idea that we hadn't thought of. The final product was installed and done within 30 minutes. Installers were early for the appointment and pleasant to deal with. I highly recommend HGS for a great product and smooth process. Thank you so much for making our sign pretty again.
Jamie Lalonde Sep 9, 2022
Loved working with Michelle, very professional!
Enis Pasevic Jun 6, 2022
Our sign was delayed due to availability of materials. Once the materials were in, though, my sign was built and installed in no time at all. I highly recommend this company and will use them again.
Terri Kowalski Jun 6, 2022
Staff was easy to work with and quick to respond. Had the sign ordered within a few days and install was all handled by them.
Brandon Riley Jun 6, 2022
I'm very pleased with our company sign. They worked with me and gave me several options, worked with my budget and had great communication during the process.
Rhnanda Mcgehee May 5, 2022
Love the quick turnaround & the freedom to personalize a sign to celebrate my senior! Michelle & staff are all friendly & easy to work with!
andrea witte Apr 4, 2022
Fantastic work on our business door !
Larissa Navarrete Jan 1, 2022
Absolutely love the work this company did for us , the installer was AMAZING very patient and accommodating!
Matthew Proctor Sep 9, 2021
I have done 10+ transactions with HGC they are my main supplier of signs. I highly recommend them.
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The quality of work for our car magnet was great. I really recommend HGS for your designs.
The Bridge Insurance Group Aug 8, 2021
High quality graphics and they came to install them. Good work.
Adam Davidson Aug 8, 2021
I had a great experience with Michelle at HGS. We we're in a huge time crunch to get our signage created in time for an upcoming tradeshow. I supplied HGS with the art, and unfortunately we had some issues with my files. HGS was able to re-create the artwork AND print my signage in less than a week. Top notch communication and exceptional prices. Can't recommend them enough.
Gus Wolk Aug 8, 2021
My experience with Houston Graphic Signs was nothing but amazing. Their team was efficient and helpful throughout the design and printing process. The vinyl graphics they printed for my company were exactly what we envisioned. I highly recommend HGS for all your printing needs!
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Great company and easy to work with. Would highly recommend!
Sara Henson Jul 7, 2021
Houston Graphic Signs did a great job for our client. Quick to respond and quick to get the job done. Would definitely recommend and will use again.
Tractor Creative Jun 6, 2021
We have a great experience! We are really happy with our sign. It was a very easy and fast process... also thank you for the punctuality in the installation.
Guillermo Barrios (Administrator) Jun 6, 2021
Houston Graphic Signs is by far the best sign company in Houston, I am an assistant to a large local real estate brokerage in the area. We had an emergency regarding the HOA size requirements for a yard sign for one of our top agents about a year ago and Houston Graphic Signs were the only sign company able to expediate the sign and have it delivered asap! (believe me I probably called every sign company in Houston for help and Houston Graphic Signs were the only company that got it done) I have been working with Houston Graphic Signs for over a year now they produced high quality signs for our top producing agents (around 300) and worked with me regarding the art work and spreadsheets. Houston Graphics Signs always checks for errors on the art work to insure high quality. Michelle Mason who is one of the owners is always available! She always goes above and beyond even working late into the evening and weekends to assure our products arrive on time. You will not go wrong using Houston Graphic signs if you want high quality material priced at a competitive rate as well as top notch service. Thank you for everything Houston Graphic Signs Michelle Nagler
michelle Nagler Jun 6, 2021
This company is fantastic. The design department was very receptive to our ideas for our logo. They were quick to offer suggestions for ways to make our company logo memorable. They offered multiple designs for us and were quick to present any changes that were made. They were very accommodating to our schedule for the installation on our truck. If you are looking for great service and a quality product, you need to look no further than Houston Graphic Sign Company. They will be doing all of our future graphic projects.
Timothy Winters Jun 6, 2021
The owner communicated with me on the order. It was awesome customer service and I highly recommend them. Delivery was quick, too.
Kristi Warnke Jun 6, 2021
Houston Graphic Signs is a fantastic business with amazing customer service and a fast turnaround! Michelle was extremely helpful and communicated with me every step of the way. I ordered a yard sign to announce my son's graduation from college and it is much nicer and bigger than I expected! It was also packed with great care which tells me how much they value their customers. I will definitely give Houston Graphic Signs more business in the future!
Liana Young Apr 4, 2021
We had an outstanding experience with our signs! HGS made decals for the sides of our trucks. Brent helped us with creating the right electronic file from one of our old files. Michelle has been proactive in her communications. Quality is far better than we have received from other sign companies. HGS will be our permanent sign company going forward!
Jason Bagley Mar 3, 2021
Went to Houston Graphic Signs to repair our sign. Another company did a poor install, but Houston Graphic Sign knew what they were doing and quickly got our sign looking good again.
Henry Emrik Feb 2, 2021
Houston Graphic Signs Company is such a great company to work with! I subcontracted them for a signage and wall graphic installation project I had in Houston and they have done a fabulous job. Very prompt responses and communication, great client service, and flexible to on-site changes. Would highly recommend!
Brianna Grattan Dec 12, 2020
They did an excellent job! they even insisted on redoing the first sign after the graphics were not perfect. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
janell breen Dec 12, 2020
Wonderful experience! Price was competitive, customer service and quality of work was better than expected. I had to replace a store front sign just and these folks went out of there way to make sure they understood what I wanted and exceeded expectations at every point of the process.
Mark Guzman Nov 11, 2020
I ordered a sign from Houston Graphic Signs, and they had several for the parents to choose from. I chose one, and had the sign the next day!!
Stacie Gage Nov 11, 2020
Michelle and her team work very quickly. When I placed my order with Houston Graphic Signs, I was on a tight deadline. Not only were they Friendly and Helpful but they were also Fast and Professional. The vinyl stickers I ordered look AMAZING and are made with quality materials to hold up to wear and tear! Thank you HGS for a job VERY well done!
EraKay Hill Nov 11, 2020
They made a custom yard sign for me very quickly. It was affordable, well made, and exactly what I was looking for. I have had several neighbors comment on it andI happily yell them where I got it. I would use Houston Graphic signs again without hesitation for any signage needs.
Deborah Demrest Nov 11, 2020
They think outside the box!!!
Sam Vacek Oct 10, 2020
I was impressed with the array and caliber of work that Houston Graphics Signs does and love supporting a local, business that does much of the work in-house, so you know where your “stuff” is and you know it will be done right. I recommend Houston Graphic Signs. Michelle Mason is fantastic at helping you update your signs to get brighter up or help you make what you have stand out increasing visibility. You will be pleased to work with HGS
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Shopped many sign companies and prices were outrageous came across Houston graphics and went to visit them to get a feel for their work and was so happy with atmosphere. They treat you like they have known you for years and the work was beyond outstanding. Highly recommend them to any business that needs high quality and great prices.
Ricky Jordan Oct 10, 2020
We had several requests that were needed in a short amount of time. Michelle and her team were professional and exceeded the planned timeline for all the materials. We were very happy with the service and look forward to working with them in the future.
Dana Prato Jul 7, 2020
Amazing Customer Service! Brent printed my signs for me in One Day Thank you!
Chevonne Marie Jun 6, 2020
We ordered a sign to commemorate our son graduation from JH. Houston Graphic Designs did an amazing job. From ordering to completion and pick up it was a smooth process. We are very pleased with the looks and with the quality of our sign. In fact, we placed it in our front yard and right after it rained non stop for 12 hours. The sign though withstood the inclement weather without any damage. Nice product at a great price!
Monica Jung May 5, 2020
Houston Graphic Signs has been super helpful with all my requests. They are efficient, good pricing, and deliver on time. Love the business cards and graduating senior signs they made for me!
Sonia Dang May 5, 2020
HGS did a fantastic job with our club. We worked closely with the team and the owners to come up with a design that turned out better than we expected. HGS was very responsive to any changes or tweaks we required. We had several renderings before we settled on the final design. The install took less than a day to complete. All in all...very impressed and will always come back to HGS in the future. Many thanks!!!
Tiran Lopez Apr 4, 2020
